Razer is Investing $10 Million in Singapore’s Esports Community

Razer, a global gaming and hardware manufacturing giant, is committing $10 million over the next 12 months to fund the esports gaming community in Singapore.

In a statement made on Facebook, Razer’s Chief Executive Officer Min-Liang Tan says that Team Singapore will receive part of the funding as the esports team heads to this year’s Southeast Asian Games, which will take place in the Philippines later this year.

“We are one of the largest esports brands in the world, and personally as a Singaporean, I’m looking forward to giving back and doing more for my country,” Tan says. “Do reach out if you’re a Singaporean in the gaming industry and keen to find a way to work together!”

Razer currently has an office in Singapore with around 500 on staff, and Tan plans to double their headcount over the next couple of years.

In Singapore, “Dota 2” is the most popular esports game, followed by “Counter-Strike,” “Overwatch,” and “Hearthstone” which have significant players as well.

Singapore’s top esports athlete, 29-year old Daryl “iceiceice” Koh Pei Xiang, earned nearly $1 million in prize money from “Dota 2.” Other players like Ho Kun “Xian,” who ranks third on the list of local earners, took home around $64,000 for “Ultra Street Fighter IV,” according to Red Bull.

In 2018, esports captured the attention of 400 million viewers worldwide — through cable and other streaming platforms such as Twitch.

According to Newzoo’s Global Esports Market Report, the esports market will reach an impressive $1.1 billion in 2019, a year-on-year growth of +26.7%. A large portion of that comes from sponsorships, as well as ticket sales, and advertising.

It’s no doubt that the best time to get into competitive gaming is now, and Singapore, as well as other parts of the world, are proving that esports deserve a spot with any other traditional sports we see on television.

Featured Image via Instagram / razer

About the Author: Alvin is a product designer focused on creating digital experiences to tackle complex challenges that empower people. He is passionate about learning the latest technologies and trends. Outside of that, Alvin enjoys writing, traveling, listening to music, and watching hockey (Go Sharks!).

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